How to play Field Shift: rules and first tips

Field Shift takes a minute to learn and much longer to master. Here's everything you need for your first runs.

The board

The field is a 6×6 grid of sockets. Colored balls sit in some of them. At the start of a run there are three colors; as your run grows, a fourth color joins.

The active color

Each turn, one color is active. The color card above the board shows which one, and the board rings change to match.

When you swipe, only balls of the active color move. All other balls stay fixed. That's the twist that makes Field Shift different from other color puzzles.

Swiping

Swipe up, down, left or right. Every active-color ball slides in that direction until it hits the edge or another ball.

Tip: before you swipe, imagine where each active ball will end up, not just the one you're looking at.

Clearing

Three or more balls of the same color side by side (horizontally or vertically) clear from the board. Clearing gives points and, more importantly, space.

Pressure

As you play, new balls arrive. If you don't clear often enough, the field fills. When no color can make a match, the run ends.

Colors rotate in a predictable order. If the next color can't make any match, the game skips to a color that can, so you're never stuck with an impossible turn.

Combos

Clear on consecutive moves to build a combo. Combos score more and come with rising tones. See the combo guide.

Modes

Classic: an endless run at your own pace. Your run is saved if you leave.
Daily Field: one seeded layout for everyone, every day. Build a streak and beat your best.

Help when you want it

Learn reopens the four interactive lessons any time.
Hint suggests a direction.
Shuffle rearranges a stuck field; each run includes one free shuffle.

Details in boosts explained.

First habits

Look at the fixed balls. They're your walls. Use them to stop active balls where you want them.
Think about the next color. A swipe that sets up the next color is worth more than a small clear now.
Keep the center open. A crowded middle limits every direction.
Don't chase every clear. Sometimes the best move is a setup swipe.

Ready for more? Try the strategy tips.